The AIxiety Pivot: Why Gen Z Is Abandoning Tech Careers for Skilled Trades

Here's something nobody saw coming: the most tech-savvy generation in history is abandoning tech careers—and running toward construction, plumbing, and electrical work.

Why? Because they're terrified of AI. And honestly? They might be onto something.

The Numbers Don't Lie

The anxiety Gen Z feels about AI isn't just anecdotal—it's backed by hard data:

• 62% of Gen Z believe AI could replace their jobs within 10 years
• 70% say AI at work has made them question their job security
• 64% are worried about being laid off—compared to just 45% of millennials
• 65% say a college degree won't protect them from AI

That last statistic is particularly striking. For decades, a college degree was the golden ticket to career security. Now, nearly two-thirds of young workers see it as worthless protection against the AI wave.

Career expert Jasmine Escalera has coined a term for this phenomenon: the "AIxiety Pivot."

The Blue-Collar Boom

So where are they going instead? Straight to the trades.

• 60% of Gen Z are likely to pursue blue-collar work in 2026
• That's up from just 25% during their high school years
• 42% are already working in or pursuing skilled trades
• Of those with bachelor's degrees, 37% are now pursuing trades

The most popular destinations? Construction (21%), electrical work (10%), manufacturing (9%), plumbing (7%), and automotive repair (6%).

The Math Actually Makes Sense

Here's what Gen Z has figured out that older generations are still catching up to:

Trade salaries are no joke:

• Elevator installers: $100K+
• Construction managers: ~$120K
• Plumbers in San Francisco: Up to $200K
• Electricians: Growing rapidly with EV and solar demand

Meanwhile, in tech:

• Entry-level hiring fell 25% year-over-year
• Internship postings down 30% since 2023
• Amazon just cut 30,000 jobs in three months—while posting record profits

Even Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, told the crowd at Davos: "We're talking about six-figure salaries for people who are building chip factories or AI factories. Everybody should be able to make a great living. You don't need to have a PhD in computer science to do so."

But Here's the Uncomfortable Truth

We have to be honest with you: trade jobs aren't completely safe either.

On the What About AI podcast, we've been clear about this. AI's physical limitations are temporary. The robots we're seeing now—Optimus, Atlas—can already lift 150-180 pounds, rotate 180 degrees while holding weight, and see through walls with infrared vision.

Once AI-enabled robots can process all that information (which isn't far off), training them to do trade work won't be hard. Trade jobs likely have a 2-3 year lag behind knowledge worker jobs being displaced—but that's a delay, not a permanent reprieve.

As we said in our latest episode: "If you think trade jobs are safe, they're not. They probably have a two to three year lag behind knowledge worker jobs being displaced or replaced. But you still have to be thinking about how to use AI in your work to augment yourself."

Why Gen Z Is Making the Switch

According to the data, here's why degree holders are pivoting to trades:

What the Industry Leaders Are Saying

"Gen Z's interest in trade work and hands-on careers shows a desire for purpose, security, and control in an AI-driven world. I call this shift the 'AIxiety Pivot.'" — Jasmine Escalera, Career Expert, Zety

"More Gen Z college graduates are turning to trade careers and for good reason. Many are concerned about AI replacing traditional white-collar roles, while trade jobs offer hands-on work that's difficult to automate." — Stacie Haller, Chief Career Advisor, Resume Builder

It's Not Just Gen Z

This isn't only a young person's phenomenon. According to FlexJobs' 2025 survey:

• 62% of white-collar workers would swap their career for a trade
• 45% want to switch fields entirely
• 44% want to start their own business
• 40% want early retirement

The dissatisfaction with traditional white-collar work is widespread across generations.

So What Should You Actually Do?

Whether you're Gen Z considering the trades, a millennial worried about your tech job, or anyone in between, here's our advice:

1. Follow Your Passions—But Stay Adaptive

Don't choose trades purely out of fear. If you're genuinely drawn to hands-on work and building things, pursue it. But don't assume it's a permanent safe haven.

As we put it: "Do what you are drawn towards. Everyone has natural talents, natural skills. That's what you should pursue regardless of AI and robotics—as long as you adapt to all the technology changes that are coming."

2. Learn to Leverage AI in ANY Career

Whether you're an HVAC technician or a software developer, the individuals who succeed will be those who learn to use AI to multiply their output.

Think about it: if you're doing duct work, do you really want to be the one tearing down drywall? If a robot can do that cheaper and faster, you'll use the robot—and focus on the complex, human-judgment decisions that machines can't handle yet.

3. Watch for Warning Signs at Your Company

Here's a pattern we've noticed: companies are making record investments in AI while simultaneously conducting mass layoffs—even when they're profitable.

If your company is investing heavily in AI but not training you or involving you in that process, that's a red flag. The money is going somewhere, and if it's not going to upskill you, it might be going to replace you.

4. Think Like a Founder

Things that seemed impossible 2-3 years ago are possible now. People with no technical background are building impressive products with Claude Code, OpenAI's tools, and other AI platforms.

If you have a bachelor's degree (or even if you don't), consider using these tools to create something of your own.

5. Don't Despair—Prepare

The worst response to AI anxiety is paralysis. Yes, the changes are real. Yes, they're coming fast. But you have time to prepare—if you start now.

Get the Full Guide

We've created a comprehensive "AIxiety Pivot Career Guide" with specific action steps, salary data, timeline projections, and resources for both those considering trades AND those staying in white-collar careers.

Download the Free Guide →

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About What About AI

We're Sean Boyce and James Perkins—two practitioners with combined decades of experience in tech and operations at companies like Vanguard and JP Morgan Chase. We started What About AI because we saw the disruption coming and wanted to help people navigate it.

We're not billionaires with nothing to lose. We have kids entering the workforce. We have family members going through this right now. This isn't abstract for us—it's personal.